NHSE chair leading mental health services review

NHS England’s chair is leading a national review of mental health services and productivity, HSJ  has learned.

The work, being referred to as a “supply-side review”, is running alongside the more high-profile independent analysis of demand for MH and learning disability services commissioned by Wes Streeting last year.

HSJ understands Dr Dash’s deep-dive is expected to be complete in the autumn, around the same time as the government review.

Analysis has begun in recent months, including on spending, variation, productivity and the potential for “reinvesting” current funding, according to sources briefed on the project.

The review has been referred to as “internal” and NHSE does not appear to be planning to publish it.

It was initiated by the “quad” of senior officials across NHSE and the Department of Health and Social Care (Dr Dash herself, NHSE CEO Sir Jim Mackey, DHSC permanent secretary Samantha Jones, and DHSC lead non-exec director Alan Milburn).

The review is also being overseen by an advisory group, with representation from mental health trusts, and others.

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Source: HSJ, 8 April 2026